India Creates History Wins First ICC Women’s World Cup

India secured their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title after defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

After winning the toss, India opted to bat first and put up a solid total of 298 for seven in their 50 overs. Shafali Verma led the charge with a brilliant 87 off 78 balls, hitting 7 fours and 2 sixes. Smriti Mandhana provided a steady start with 45 off 58 balls, while Deepti Sharma played a composed knock of 58 from 58 balls. Richa Ghosh added quick runs towards the end with a fiery 34 off 24 balls, helping India reach close to the 300-run mark.

For South Africa, Ayabonga Layout was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nadine de Klerk, and Chloe Tryon took one wicket each.

Chasing a target of 299, South Africa got off to a promising start through their captain, Laura Wolvaardt, who played a magnificent innings of 101 runs off 98 balls. However, wickets fell at regular intervals, and India’s bowlers tightened their grip on the match.

Deepti Sharma turned the game in India’s favour with a brilliant spell, claiming five wickets for 39 runs, while Shafali Verma chipped in with two wickets for 36 runs. Pooja Vastrakar and Nallapureddy Charani took one wicket each as South Africa were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs.

ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Final: Match Summary 

India Women: 298/7 (50 overs)

• Shafali Verma – 87 (78)
• Deepti Sharma – 58 (60)
• Smriti Mandhana – 45 (58)
• Richa Ghosh – 34 (24)
• Bowling: Ayabonga Khaka – 3/58

South Africa Women: 246 all out (45.3 overs)

• Laura Wolvaardt – 101 (98)
• Tazmin Brits – 23 (35)
• Bowling: Deepti Sharma – 5/39, Shafali Verma – 2/36

Result: India Women won by 52 runs

Player of the Match

Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match for her exceptional all-round display. She top-scored for India with 87 runs and took two crucial wickets that broke South Africa’s momentum.

A Historic Moment for Indian Women’s Cricket

This victory marks a defining chapter in Indian women’s cricket history, as the team lifted their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup trophy. The triumph not only reflects years of hard work and resilience but also symbolizes the growing dominance of Indian women on the global stage. 

The celebrations at DY Patil Stadium echoed across the nation, inspiring a new generation of cricketers to dream big and aim higher.